Charles County, MD Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Charles County regulates pool barriers by amending, not replacing, the model International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) it adopted as part of the 2021 code suite under Chapter 224, Building Construction, effective with the county's May 14, 2024 building-code overhaul (Bill No. 2024-10). 9. 5 AWG, heavier than typical residential chain link. 4, Mesh fence as a barrier, is deleted without replacement, meaning mesh fencing that the base ISPSC would otherwise allow as a compliant pool barrier is no longer an acceptable option in Charles County; a pool owner must use one of the code's other approved barrier types, such as chain link meeting the new gauge rule, masonry, or ornamental fencing.

4, Structure wall as a barrier, has all mentions of 'windows' deleted without replacement, removing the ability to count a house wall's windows toward satisfying that barrier option. These are targeted subtractions from the model code's menu of acceptable barriers rather than a new standalone fence ordinance, so the remaining ISPSC Section 305 requirements, including self-closing, self-latching gates and minimum barrier height as adopted, continue to apply. Compliance is verified by the Charles County Building Code Official, the official title Chapter 224 assigns in place of 'Building Official' at § 224-1(3), during the pool construction permit and inspection process.